From time immemorial vector-borne diseases have decimated the fighting capacity of armies and caused suspension or cancellation of military operations. For this reason vector control strategies have always been a major requirement in ensuring the operational readiness of armed forces. Using malaria as an example, this article provides an update on vector control methods used by the French army in terms of available tools and of their applications in function of the operational situation. In coming years vector control strategies must be modernized not only by assessing vector-borne disease threats in the field and improving resources available to troops but also by professionalizing this service by creating specialized units.
Unité d'entomologie médicale, UMR6236, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Alliée du Médecin colonel Jamot, Parc du Pharo, Marseille cedex, France. entomo@wanadoo.fr
